Bar review: 115 The Headrow, Leeds

As an after work venue at the start of a night out, 115 is in prime position, on a corner of The Headrow opposite The Light.
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It’s a new addition to the city’s night life is so named after its address; the street number emblazoned in bright red neon lights on one inside wall.

A sociable space, it has a raised area where there are three tables overlooking the street; the floor here in jazzy wooden strips coloured red, orange and yellow and there’s a low desk-like spot by the front windows with stools for clandestine chats and card games.

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Stepping down into the main bar area, there are some eight more tables plus high stools at the corner bar.

115 The Headrow115 The Headrow
115 The Headrow

A prime spot is in the far corner – a semi circle brown leather sofa for bigger groups.

The decor is quirky although a tad ‘chainy’. I liked the two large fans with petal shaped wings on the ceiling and the exposed light bulbs hanging down from copper pipes.

On the walls are mismatched framed pictures of New York cityscapes.

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Overall it has the vibe of a hangout in which to launch your evening apace. The brightly coloured interior and sociable space, complemented by the 13-strong cocktail list only enhances that, so too the soundtrack. Think Michael Jackson, Otis Redding and The Cookies. Oh and it’s 2-for-1 cocktails every day for £6.95. Fittingly, the bar’s tag line for the bar is ‘eat, drink, swing, groove’.

On tap I tried the Saltaire Raspberry Blonde, a refreshing drink and one of three ales, otherwise it’s a choice from the pumps of: Guinness, Fosters, Heineken and Peroni.

Thinking I know a good mojito when I taste one, I ordered one here but it was a little disappointing, lacking a touch of sweetness. The mint was fragrant but the leaves disintegrated a little and the head lacked that slight fluffy lip. The alcoholic content was well-balanced though.

At about 7.45pm the food menus were removed from the tables but if you do get here for ‘feeding time’, there is a good selection. The bar snacks were particularly well priced for the portion sizes – £12 for three – with southern fried chicken and cheesy potatoes halves among the options. Accompanying sauces are served in small air-tight glass jars.

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The bar seems to be reaching for becoming a community bar, with a quiz night on a Wednesday, kids eat free all day Saturday before the resident DJ takes over at 7pm and there are offers all week, including 50 per cent off all food on Mondays – plenty of variety to hopefully attract a loyal clientele.

The most expensive drink money can buy here is the Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Brut Rosé , at a mere £249.99. Let’s get this party started.

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